Effect of fire on a Symphoricarpos occidentalis shrub community in central Alberta

Abstract

Spring fires were conducted in Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook, stands to determine the effect of fire on the shrub and associated species. The canopy cover of Symphoricarpos had recovered to the level of unburned stands 3 months after fire. Stem density increased three to five times in the first 3 months and then gradually declined during the 2nd and 3rd year. Rubus strigosus increased in cover and stem density when burned and remained at higher levels for the 3 years studied. Forbs increased after fire with the cover of most annuals peaking the first growing season while perennials maintained a higher cover. The density of woody stems and coverage of the shrub, perennial forb, and grass and sedge groups continued to be higher 3 years after burning. There were substantial changes in one or more of frequency, cover, or density of major species.